LISBON: Travel to the Other Side of the Veils with a surprising and appetizing ending

If you’re looking for a tour in Lisbon that mixes history with a bit of mystique—and finishes with a delicious local experience—you might want to consider the Angels and Demons of Lisbon guided tour. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what’s shared by travelers and the detailed itinerary, it sounds like a thoughtful way to get under the city’s skin beyond the usual landmarks.

What draws us in? First, the journey through Lisbon’s earliest pre-Roman stories—a rare peek at the city’s ancient roots. Second, the culinary finale at Taverna das Marias, which promises an intimate tasting experience that’s as much about storytelling as it is about flavors. The only potential snag? The tour is designed for groups of at least 10 people, so it might not feel as personal if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. Overall, it’s best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, and those who love pairing cultural insights with good food.

Key Points

• Historical scope: Explores Lisbon from pre-Roman times to the early 20th century.
• Thematic storytelling: Focuses on figures from innocence to evil, including murders, mysticism, and disasters.
• Culinary experience: Ends with a tasting at Taverna das Marias, where each dish and wine has a story.
• Group size and price: Private group up to 5 people at $528, making it a more intimate experience.
• Duration: About 5.5 hours, including walking and tasting.
• Accessible route: Easy walk covering roughly 4.5 km, suitable for most travelers.
• Cultural richness: Combines history, folklore, and authentic Portuguese gastronomy.
• Language options: Guides available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
• Age considerations: Not suitable for children under 14.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Setting Off from Cais do Santarém

Your adventure kicks off at R. do Cais de Santarém 30, a central spot close to key transit points like Terreiro do Paço Metro Station. From here, you’ll meet your guide, Vera Cardoso, and set out on a walk that will whisk you through some of Lisbon’s most storied neighborhoods.

Walking Through Lisbon’s Historic Heart

The tour is divided into several stops, each lasting about 25 minutes. These include Cais do Sodré, Rossio Square, Mouraria, and Santa Maria Maior.

• Cais do Sodré is an energetic hub, historically linked to port activities—here, travelers often find a lively atmosphere that contrasts with the more somber tales you’ll hear later.
• Rossio Square is a classic Lisbon landmark, a spot where you’ll get a sense of the city’s layered history, from medieval times to modern vibrancy.
• Mouraria is famous for its multicultural vibe and ties to the Moorish past, tying into the mysticism that threads through the tour.
• Santa Maria Maior offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s oldest areas, where stories of innocence and purity intertwine with darker legends.

Each stop isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about hearing stories of murders, divine punishments, supernatural beings, and myths that have shaped Lisbon’s identity.

Stories That Enrich the Streets

Vera, the guide, shares tales like “Regicide and Death on Estrada D’El Rey” and “Acts of Faith, in a Sea of Blood,” which add layers of intrigue and emotion. Travelers have noted the storytelling as one of the tour’s highlights—an engaging way to understand Lisbon’s complex past beyond what you’d read in a history book.

Some reviews mention the stories of “The Blood of an Innocent” and “The Last Executioner of Lisbon” as particularly haunting, giving the sense that the city still whispers these tales to those willing to listen.

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The Atmosphere and Route

The entire walk covers about 4.5 km. It’s considered an easy route, mostly flat, ideal for most travelers. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to absorb the stories, take photos, and enjoy the ambiance of Lisbon’s historic streets.

The Culmination: Taverna das Marias

After about 2.5 to 3 hours of walking and storytelling, the tour moves to Taverna das Marias. Here, the experience shifts from tales of angels and demons to a culinary celebration.

This isn’t your average tasting session. Each dish is crafted to tell a story of Portugal’s regions and traditions—think authentic snacks paired with carefully selected wines. It’s an intimate, welcoming environment, with reviews praising the genuine atmosphere and the chance to connect over shared memories of the stories and flavors.

Travelers have called it “more than just a tasting,” emphasizing that the experience is about celebrating Portuguese culture through food and conversation. The reviews also note that the staff is friendly and the ambiance inviting, making it a perfect ending to a day of discovery.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour covers the entire journey from pre-Roman Lisbon to the early 1900s, including stories of innocence, evil, murders, and mysticism. You’ll walk about 4.5 km, with stops in key neighborhoods, and enjoy a 1.5-hour tasting of snacks and wines at Taverna das Marias.

It’s a private group experience, with the minimum group size of 10 people—so it’s best to plan accordingly or book ahead to ensure your spot. The cost per group up to 5 people is $528, which might seem steep but can be justified by the depth of storytelling and the exclusive, intimate setting of the tasting.

Tickets to historic buildings aren’t included, but that’s not a big deal since the focus is on the stories you’ll hear during the walk.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy history, folklore, and local culture. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in stories that are a little darker or more mysterious, with a penchant for pairing storytelling with good food. Because children under 14 aren’t recommended, it suits adults or older teens who can appreciate the nuances of the tales and the tasting.

If you’re someone who prefers a quick jaunt to famous landmarks or family fun, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re curious about the hidden layers of Lisbon and want to finish with a taste of authentic Portugal, this tour could be just the right fit.

The Practicalities

• Duration: About 5.5 hours total, including walking and tasting.
• Meeting Point: Near Terreiro do Paço Metro Station, at Taverna das Marias.
• Language: Guides available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
• Accessibility: Route is easy, but keep in mind the walking distance.
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Group: Private, with a minimum of 10 people to book.

Final Thoughts

If you’re into history, stories with a bit of edge, and authentic Portuguese flavors, this tour offers a compelling way to spend half a day in Lisbon. It’s not about rushing through landmarks but about feeling the soul of the city through its stories and tastes.

For those who enjoy a good narrative and a cozy, convivial environment to finish with some local wines and snacks, this is a fantastic option. It might be less suited to travelers seeking a fast-paced sightseeing blitz or those traveling with very young children, but for the rest of us, it provides a meaningful, flavorful glimpse into Lisbon’s layered past.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children under 14?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 14, likely due to the mature themes in the stories and the nature of the tasting experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, including the walking tour and the tasting session at Taverna das Marias.

What is the route like?
It’s an easy route covering approximately 4.5 km, mainly through historic neighborhoods like Mouraria and Rossio, with mostly flat terrain.

Are tickets for historic buildings included?
No, tickets to historic sites aren’t included, but they’re not necessary for this guided walk, which focuses on storytelling and local history.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

What’s the group size?
This is a private group experience, with a minimum of 10 people needed to book.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $528 per group, suitable for up to 5 people, which can be a good value if you’re traveling with a small group or as a family.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of historical storytelling with a gourmet tasting experience makes it unique. It’s a chance to explore Lisbon’s darker stories and end with a genuine taste of Portugal’s regional flavors.

Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or just someone eager to discover Lisbon’s hidden layers, this tour offers a thoughtful, immersive experience that’s a little different from the usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: